What is MRCP (UK)?

The MRCP (UK) Diploma is required for physicians wishing to undergo training in a medically-related specialty in the UK. The MRCP(UK) examinations play an essential role in the overall educational experience and continuing professional development of physicians in the UK and internationally.

MRCP(UK) offers the following postgraduate medical qualifications for doctors who are preparing for higher specialist training on behalf of  the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Physicians of London.

MRCP(UK) Diploma

12 Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs)

The Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) are an opportunity to measure your knowledge against an internationally recognised benchmark, which represents the breadth and depth of knowledge required of a newly qualified specialist in your chosen discipline. These are a requirement in the UK for specialist physicians.

What do MRCP(UK) examinations involve?

The MRCP(UK) Diploma tests the skills, knowledge and behaviour of doctors in training. It involves three examinations: 

  • part 1 consists of two three-hour multiple-choice question papers covering knowledge and understanding of the clinical sciences
  • part 2 Written consists of three three-hour multiple-choice question papers covering diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis of patients
  • part 3 Clinical Examination (PACES) involves a series of five clinical stations, each assessed by two independent examiners.

In the UK, the MRCP(UK) Diploma is usually taken during the two-year period of general professional training (GPT) in medicine after you have registered with the UK General Medical Council. 

The SCEs consists of 2 three-hour multiple-choice question papers delivered through computer-based testing throughout the world. Please visit the MRCP(UK) website for a list of specialties and further details.

Why should I take MRCP(UK) examinations?

The MRCP(UK) is recognised as an entry qualification into higher specialist training for doctors wishing to become specialist registrars.

How can I register?

You need to apply online at the MRCP(UK) website. To find out how, visit MRCP(UK)’s Online Examination Services web page.

When are the exams and how much do they cost?

For dates & examinations fees, please visit MRCP(UK) website:

Part 1 

Part 2 

PACES

SCE

Do you organise examinations for people with disabilities?

We do our best to cater for any reasonable adjustments on the exam day. Any candidate who has a physical disability, specific learning disability, long term medical condition or any other special need that they believe could affect their performance in an examination may be entitled to reasonable adjustments. All such candidates should inform the MRCP(UK) of this at the time of each application, by indicating this in the ‘special arrangements’ area of the application form, whereupon they will be contacted by the relevant MRCP(UK) office.

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